The V Foundation for Cancer Research and STAPLES Center Foundation Host an Evening of Music, Film and Fundraising for Great Causes; Tony Hawk Among the Elite to Attend

Presented by Time Warner Cable, the annual X Games Kick-Off Bash benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research and STAPLES Center Foundation will host an entertaining evening on Wednesday, June 27 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Regal Cinema. This year’s event will feature two-time X Games gold medalist and BMX legend, Mat Hoffman. Guests will be able to meet Hoffman as well as other X Games athletes and bid on silent auction items that will include: a Tiger Woods autographed pin flag, one-of-a-kind jewelry by award-winning designer Meghan Patrice Riley, a Verizon Casio G’zOne Commando 3G Smartphone and autographed items from Mat Hoffman, Tony Hawk, Jen Hudak and Ryan Nyquist.Ã‚Â As ESPN’s official charity, The V Foundation for Cancer Research is having an impact on cancer which has affected thousands of lives – including X Games athletes. ESPN is honored that six iconic, X Games athletes have come forward and asked to be spokespeople for The V Foundation because they have been directly affected by cancer in their families. These athletes include: Mat Hoffman, Ryan Nyquist, Gretchen Bleiler, Tucker Hibbert, Tricia Byrnes and Jen Hudak. Ã‚Â Ã‚Â “My mother died of cancer when I was 18,” said Hoffman. “I’ve witnessed how unforgiving the disease is. To have a program like The V Foundation that brings the community together to raise awareness and funds toward cancer research, not only gives hope to those in need, but is an organization that I’m personally proud to now be a part of.”Ã‚Â Tickets may be purchased in advance only and are available at www.ticketmaster.com/xgamesand through STAPLES Center Foundation at 213-742-7166. Ticketmaster and facility fees have been waived for this special charity event. Prices are $110 for adults 21 and over and $60 for ages 20 or younger. The benefit is sponsored by American Express, The Eisner Foundation, Quiksilver, The Wasserman Foundation and Mattel.Ã‚Â The Beneficiaries: STAPLES Center Foundation has established a number of partnerships in the Los Angeles community to assist charities focused on educational and recreational opportunities for youth in raising funds and awareness for their organizations with an emphasis on the low-income neighborhoods surrounding the arena. The Foundation has donated more than $10 million in support to our nonprofit partners, helping to reach those in need. Ã‚Â The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $120 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Foundation’s endowment. The Foundation awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org